China-North Korea border bridge may do little to spur trade, experts say

As China and North Korea cut the ribbon on New Yalu River Bridge this week, officials described the new border crossing in momentous terms. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the 3km (1.9-mile) bridge, which links China’s Dandong and North Korea’s Sinuiju, would “vigorously promote” trade and “strengthen emotional bonds”. North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song expressed his belief that the crossing would “accelerate the advance for the prosperity of the two countries” and “add fresh vigour” to their economic cooperation. Analysts on China-North Korea ties are much more circumspect.